The purpose of this Notice is to clarify issues regarding the collection of genotype data and the use of professional project management for RFA-MH-10-020 “The Human Connectome Project,” which was issued on July 15, 2009.

Technological advances that have transpired since RFA-MH-10-020 was written have made it possible for larger numbers of subjects to be imaged than was envisioned in that FOA. Images represent the principle data type to be collected for this project; ancillary data to be collected includes genotyping using chip technology. Since the cost of chips for genotyping is not insignificant, the requirement to genotype each subject presents a budgetary trade-off which increases as more and more subjects are included in the project. To mitigate the effect of this trade-off on the ability to image large numbers of subjects, rather than requiring that each subject be genotyped, only 500 subjects will be required to be genotyped. If an applicant wishes to genotype all subjects, even beyond 500, that is also acceptable. All other ancillary data collection (e.g., demographic, behavioral assessment) is expected from all subjects as described in RFA-MH-10-020. And, blood samples are expected to be collected from all subjects as described in RFA-MH-10-020.

Professional project management is paramount to the performance of the Human Connectome Project. Applicants who have questions about what constitutes professional project management, how roles of principal investigator and project manager compare to each other, and other issues related to this important aspect of the project are encouraged to contact the program officer listed below.